I dream of

USAGE SUMMARY

"I dream of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a thought or idea. For example: "I dream of a world in which we can all live in harmony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

At night I dream of.

Independent

I dream of leaving, too.

The New York Times

I dream of it".

The Guardian - Music

I dream of space.

The Guardian

I dream of us going travelling again.

Independent

I dream of much broader achievements.

The New York Times - Science

I dream of another moment like this.

The New York Times

I dream of Greenpoint, that is.

The New York Times

I dream of my son," she continued.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

At night I dream of... everything.

Independent

At night I dream of... travelling.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I dream of" with vivid imagery to create a more impactful and memorable statement. For example, "I dream of a world where all children have access to education."

Common error

Avoid using "I dream of" when discussing concrete plans or actions. This phrase is better suited for expressing aspirations rather than describing actionable steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I dream of" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, where "dream" is the main verb expressing a mental state and "of" introduces the object of the dream. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to express aspirations and hopes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I dream of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express aspirations and visions. According to Ludwig, it is prevalent in news, media and formal business contexts. While versatile, it is best used for expressing long-term goals or desires rather than concrete plans, as explained in its most common error. Remember that Ludwig AI states that this phrase functions as an intransitive verb phrase to express aspirations and hopes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I aspire to

Expresses a strong desire or ambition to achieve something, similar to dreaming but with a connotation of active pursuit.

I long for

Conveys a deep yearning or desire, often for something that is difficult to obtain or experience.

I hope for

Indicates a wish or expectation for something to happen, focusing on a desired outcome.

I wish for

Expresses a desire, often for something unlikely or unattainable, similar to a dream.

I envision

Implies a mental image or concept of something, often a future possibility or aspiration.

I imagine

Suggests forming a mental picture or idea of something, often in a creative or speculative way.

I anticipate

Expresses expectation and excitement about something that is going to happen in the future.

I crave

Conveys a strong and intense desire, often for something specific or tangible.

My ambition is

Highlights a strong desire for achievement or success, emphasizing personal drive.

It is my hope to

Formally expresses a desire or wish, often in a more official or serious context.

FAQs

How can I use "I dream of" in a sentence?

Use "I dream of" to express a strong hope or aspiration, often something that is not easily achievable. For instance, "I dream of a world without poverty" or "I dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur".

What can I say instead of "I dream of"?

You can use alternatives like "I aspire to", "I hope for", or "I long for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "I dream of" in formal writing?

While "I dream of" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound too sentimental for formal contexts. Consider using more direct phrases like "I hope to" or "my goal is to" in professional or academic writing.

What's the difference between "I dream of" and "I wish for"?

"I dream of" often implies a more profound or deeply felt aspiration, whereas "I wish for" can refer to more immediate or easily fulfilled desires. The former is about a vision, the latter about a want.